MANILA, Philippines - After working in a number of sexy films, actor Marcus Madrigal has decided to put his foot down on sleazy sex scenes and frontal nudity.

In his next film, Will Fredo's "Sa Pagdapo ng Mariposa," Marcus will play the role of an injured athlete who gets attracted to his male physical therapist. "I discussed with my director about how I feel about nudity. I think one can express his desire to make contact with another person without having to show skin. I'm thankful that he respected my views," Marcus said during a visit to the Inquirer offices in Makati City.

Marcus is Agustin, a sepak takraw athlete who, during his recuperation period, becomes close to Carlito, his therapist/attending nurse, played by Josh Deocareza. Confused and unable to control his unnatural urges, Agustin engages in intimacies with Carlito.

"Mariposa" is Fredo's sophomore offering. His debut movie, "Compound," a story on drug abuse and paranoia, was released in 2006. Both films were produced by Hubo Productions Inc., which Fredo put up with six friends.

During the chat with Inquirer Entertainment, Fredo said the film has become a vehicle for his personal views, and changed Marcus' view of romantic gay relationships.

WILL FREDO

You refer to this project as a "personal movie." Why is that?

It's personal because, like what I did in "Compound," a lot of things in my life are incorporated in the movie. It's loosely based on events in my life.

Press materials on the film say the movie was inspired by "Brokeback Mountain."

I actually did not think about "Brokeback" when I wrote it. My inspiration was the pamahiin that the mariposa (butterfly) is a sign of bad luck, or even death. We used to get visits from mariposas when I was younger. My mom hates them. It started from that thought and transformed into this movie.

One of the messages of the movie is finding out your true self. Another one is the whole issue of nature vs nurture. I wrote the script myself. There's more to it than being a gay film.

Is Marcus your first choice for the character of Agustin, and Josh for Carlito?

Yes. When Marcus showed up for the audition, we were impressed. He did a really good monologue. Also part of the audition process was to work with co-actors. Lumabas lalo ang galing n'ya doon.

For me, Josh is a find. He attacks his role differently, compared to Marcus. He first played the lead character in Red Ochoa's "Baliw."

You quit your lucrative job as computer engineer for software giant Microsoft to pursue filmmaking. Do you have regrets?

No, I don't. It's just that, with my new work, I find it harder to sustain the lifestyle I was once used to. I survive because I have friends who support me. Wala talagang pera sa industriyang ito. We're just lucky that we recovered what we spent on "Compound."

The good thing about it is that I get to meet a lot of people, like Marcus, Josh, whom I learn so much from. Hubo Productions recently tied up with bands and musicians to create a sound track. We're branching out. I think that, for a small group, we've achieved so much.

MARCUS MADRIGAL

What's the most difficult thing that the director asked you to do in this film?

It's hard to express your emotions when you're character is paralyzed for almost half of the film. You can convey your feelings only through your eyes. It was also tough learning a new sport-sepak takraw. I trained with the national team for this.

How long did it take to finish the film? Can you share some anecdotes while filming?

It took almost two years to finish. Direk had to leave for the States. He would just come back to facilitate the workshops. It was fun working with the production team. Barkada mo lahat. Most of the time, we we're just playing. There were times when Josh and I couldn't stop laughing when it was time to shoot sensitive scenes. Nagkakailangan.

It was just tough to go through the audition process. I was called back twice. Pinoy actors are not used to going through auditions. 'Pag kilala ka ng direk, ikaw na ang bida.

How similar or different are you from your character in real life?

Agustin and I are both sports-minded. We have the same preference in clothes. We also have the same mind-set. We're only different in the sense that he was born rich and I'm poor.

Did you not have any reservations accepting a gay role?

None at all. I'm thankful that my director accepted my limitation. I understand what Agustin is going through. He just broke up with his girlfriend Nel (Lily Chu) and has been paralyzed for six months. Naghahanap ng kalinga. He found love from Carlito.

Are you open to having a gay relationship?

I have no problem with that. I have lots of gay friends. Most of them, mas lalaki pa kung magdesisyon sa buhay; Most of them are more sensible than straight guys or girls. Gender does not always matter to people who want companionship.

"Sa Pagdapo ng Mariposa" will premiere at Robinsons Galleria's IndieSine on May 21. It also features Liza Diño, CJ Macapagal, Lynn Sherman, Miguel Castro, Leo Rialp and Mika Margolles.

Email mcruz@inquirer.com.ph